Stronger with Don Saladino

Episode: How Stunt Performers Film Dangerous Scenes Without Getting Hurt
Date: March 31, 2026

Episode Overview

This episode of Stronger with Don Saladino shines a light on the world of professional stunt performers—the unsung heroes who make high-octane on-screen action possible without compromising safety. Don sits down with three elite guests:

• Hayley Wright (stunt performer/acrobat, double for major stars in Furiosa, Birds of Prey),
• George Cottle (veteran stunt coordinator/second unit director, Black Panther, Spider-Man, Marvel films),
• Chris O’Hara (stunt performer/coordinator/action designer, Jurassic World, Venom, John Wick).

The conversation explores everything from facing dangerous stunts, negotiating with directors, on-set pressure, and how teamwork and adaptability prevent injuries—even when the clock is ticking and the script changes last minute. The lessons offered go far beyond Hollywood, touching on resilience, communication, and knowing your limits.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Drawing the Line: Saying No to Dangerous Stunts

• (03:13-04:07) Hayley Wright:

  • Admits to truly nerve-wracking moments but emphasizes a culture of honest communication and knowing personal limits.
  • “If in that situation I did not feel that I could do it safely, it would be, yeah, very much speak up. You have to know your limits in this industry.”

• (04:56-05:50) George Cottle:

  • Finds it more daunting to ask someone else to perform a stunt than doing it personally.
  • Experience breeds confidence to say "No" and immediately offer safer alternatives.
  • “We don’t like to just say no. We always like to bring another option to the table.”

• (05:53-06:54) Chris O’Hara:

  • Focuses on problem-solving: saying “no” often means, “Let’s figure out a safe way.”
  • “The greatest line is, we create the illusion of danger by mitigating the risks.”

2. Portrayals of Stunt Work & Director Dynamics

• (06:54-09:14) Don, Chris, Hayley, George:
  • Discussion of the film Hooper and problematic, “screamer” directors of the past versus today’s more collaborative environments.
  • Despite improvements, the perception that “it’s just a stunt guy” lingers in some corners, but professionalism and human vulnerability are paramount.
  • Chris O’Hara (08:27): “I take the same precautions…doesn’t matter if it’s an actor or the stunt guy. I do everything the same.”
  • Hayley Wright (09:14): “I’ve never felt unsafe, but there is always that pressure and, like, the last minute change on set…”

3. Last-Minute Demands & Creative Adaptation

• (15:38-18:10) Don, George, Hayley, Chris:
  • Last-minute script or director changes are common and can yield brilliant moments—if everyone stays adaptable.
  • George Cottle (15:38): “Sometimes those last minute moments of inspiration are what really elevate the sequence… but we also have to make sure we protect our team 100%.”
  • Gymnastics background emphasized adaptability for both Hayley and Chris.
  • Hayley Wright (16:22): “Every single job is so different…So, being able to mentally and physically be like, okay, well, this is happening now…adaptability is a huge skill.”
  • Chris O’Hara (17:14): Trust and team selection are crucial. “You want to have a team that can adapt. You want to trust in performers that aren’t at the max of their abilities…so if something goes sideways, [they] can get me through any situation.”

4. Teamwork, Camaraderie & Recognition

• (18:10-19:06) Don:
  • Emphasizes the “family” energy and collective pride after nailing a tough scene on set.
  • Calls for wider recognition—mentions Oscars beginning to acknowledge stunt work.
  • “I find the process…more fascinating…team, family, camaraderie…when the scene got hit, everyone’s cheering, coming together, hugging. It’s almost like they won a big game together.”
  • Chris O’Hara (19:04): Oscars will recognize stunts starting in 2028.

5. Takeaways for Everyday Resilience

• Advocacy for self-awareness, clear communication, and trusting one’s knowledge of their own abilities.
• Adaptability under pressure—preparation is critical, but openness to change is survival.
• Team selection: surround yourself with high-performers who have headroom for the unexpected.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Hayley Wright, on limits:
  “You have to know your limits in this industry. And…clear communication with your stunt coordinator to then relay, hey, we might need to make this fall lower or change the entry into that stunt.” (03:13)

• George Cottle, on risk:
  “I’ve always been so much more scared to ask a performer to do a stunt than I ever was actually performing it myself.” (04:56)

• Chris O’Hara, on illusion:
  “We create the illusion of danger by mitigating the risks. Right. So how do we mitigate the risk to make it look crazy and not say no?” (05:53)

• On old Hollywood vs. now:
  Chris O’Hara (08:27): “It doesn’t matter that I’m a stunt guy or not. So, I mean, there’s some of that stuff that’s there.” Hayley Wright (09:14): “There is always that pressure and, like, the last minute change on set…knowing your team and feeling comfortable with your team.”

• Adaptability lesson:
  Hayley Wright (16:22): “Every single job is so different…adaptability is a huge skill to have because it happens quite often.”

• Team-building strategy:
  Chris O’Hara (17:14): “I use a couple drivers that are full race car drivers…today, I’m going to use 5% of your talent…if something goes sideways, I have 95%…”

• Setting the record straight:
  George Cottle (10:13): “We only get one chance to have a perfect safety record…I would never, ever want to hurt somebody for pushing too hard.”

Key Timestamps

• 01:01-02:36: Introductions of Hayley Wright, George Cottle, Chris O’Hara
• 03:13-06:54: Handling stunts that cross the danger line; communicating and negotiating with directors
• 06:54-10:13: Discussion of Hollywood’s depiction of stunts and the evolution of respect for stunt professionals
• 15:38-18:10: Coping with last-minute script/director changes, adaptability on set, team trust
• 18:10-19:06: Don’s personal admiration for on-set camaraderie; Oscars recognizing stunts
• 19:35-20:04: Guest social media handles

Social Media Handles

• Chris O'Hara: @airaware1
• Hayley Wright: @thehaileywright
• George Cottle: @georgejcottle

Final Thoughts

This episode pulls back the curtain on the discipline, preparation, and humility required to make movie magic safely. Stunt work is a discipline where the stakes are high and teamwork, communication, and adaptability save lives. The takeaways—the importance of knowing your limits, trusting your team, and handling adversity with resourcefulness—apply well beyond film sets.

Don Saladino: "Let’s get stronger—together."